Saint Anne Shrine of Fall River is hosting its 151st Solemn Novena and Feast of Saint Anne, beginning this day. During the first nine days (July 17-25), Mass is celebrated daily at 6:30 p.m. A Holy Hour will follow each Mass during which the Novena to St. Anne is prayed, and the day’s preacher gives a reflection.
Wednesday, July 26th, the Feast of St. Anne, features opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession between 1:00-3:00 p.m., Devotions at 3:00 p.m., the recitation of the Rosary at 5:00 p.m., and the Solemn Feast Mass at 6:00 p.m., followed by an outdoor pilgrims’ procession.
The theme of this year’s novena is “Saint Anne: Grandmother of the Eucharist.” The theme seeks to highlight the connection between the Shrine’s patronal namesake and the ongoing Eucharistic Revival initiated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The preachers of the Novena are Fr. Michael Racine (July 17 and 19), Fr. Edward A. Murphy (July 18), and guest missionary Fr. Tony Stephens, CPM, (July 20-26).
Michael E. Antaya, Director of Liturgy & Devotions at the Shrine, stated: “The annual Solemn Novena is the highlight liturgical event at the Shrine. It has drawn faithful pilgrims from all over the region and beyond. It is my goal as Liturgical Director to reinvigorate a spirit of pilgrimage and encourage the faithful to take part in these spiritual exercises.”
